From dream to reality: Scottish man builds Porsche after decades of longing

Born and raised in Wigtown, Scotland, Drysdale’s connection to automobiles runs deep, influenced by his grandfather’s work as a chauffeur and early exposure to racing with his father. His childhood was marked by his mother’s long hospital stay due to multiple sclerosis and the loss of his father at a young age, experiences that fostered independence.

After studying maths and physics at the University of Glasgow, Drysdale became an engineer, fueling his passion for cars and racing. A pivotal moment occurred at Silverstone, where the sight and sound of a Porsche 904 left a lasting impression.

Marriage and parenthood led Drysdale to step away from racing, but his career took him across the globe. He eventually retired at 58, returning to Scotland and embarking on his ambitious project.

To realize his vision, Drysdale took welding classes and acquired a blueprint of the original Porsche 904 through a connection. He meticulously crafted the body in his garage, starting with wood and plaster, then creating fibreglass moulds with the assistance of his wife, Lucia.

“Once I had the body, I could concentrate on the engineering, fabricating the chassis, designing the suspension. That was all from scratch,” he says. He sourced a used engine and transmission and began assembling the car.

His children initially questioned his endeavor, but Drysdale persevered, overcoming setbacks with renewed enthusiasm. After eight years, at the age of 68, the Porsche 904FF was complete – the double Fs signifying its status as a “effing fake.”

Drysdale tested the car at race tracks across Scotland, England, France, and Switzerland, participating in speed hill climbs and sprints until February of this year. At 87, a stroke impacted his vision, ending his driving career.

“I’m coming to terms with it but it is very difficult,” he says. The car continues to compete, driven by friends, with Drysdale remaining involved as the entrant. He is already planning for the next season.

“I think my dad would have said: ‘Yep, that’s my son,’” he reflects. “The car has given me a dream. I’m a great believer that you must have a dream.”